Maurice Vellacott won't seek re-election next term

Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott votes in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Wednesday, May 10, 2006. (Tom Hanson / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Long-time Saskatoon Member of Parliament Maurice Vellacott announced Thursday he will not be seeking re-election in 2015.

Vellecott has been an MP for almost 20 years, and when his term comes up, he’ll be 60years old. However, in a press release, he pointed out that age and his health weren’t among his reasons for not seeking another term.

Vellacott laid out several reasons for retiring from public office, including giving more attention to his family, specifically his 20-year-old son who struggles with mental challenges, as well as potentially finishing a law degree, and teaching at a college level.

“I’m deeply appreciative of the many volunteers who have worked on my six federal campaigns and in between elections as well. I have been blessed with some tremendous staff in the constituency office and on Parliament Hill. I am grateful to many parliamentary colleagues for their friendship and support,” Vellacott said in his release.

Vellacott made headlines throughout his time in Ottawa for his anti-abortion stance, most recently in February 2013 when he called for an RCMP investigation into “live abortions."

By the time he finishes this term, Vellacott will have served in public office for 19 years.